ITALY coach Roberto Donadoni insists controversial striker Antonio Cassano should be treated like any other member of his Euro 2008 squad by the Italian media.
Donadoni caused a stir when he handed Cassano an international lifeline on Tuesday by including him in his provisional 24-man selection for next month's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
The 26-year-old impressed for Sampdoria while on loan from Real Madrid last season but has not featured for Italy since 2006 and many thought his international chances had suffered a terminal setback when he earned a five-match ban for throwing his shirt at a referee in a Serie A match earlier this year.
"Antonio's inclusion was thoroughly thought through and happened after a meeting with my staff," Donadoni told reporters ahead of Italy's first training session.
"He's only a lad, don't make him into an alien. Don't put too much pressure on him, because he will do great things.
"When I spoke to him he more or less said: 'do you trust me? I won't disappoint you'.
"But I told him that rather than speak he has to listen. It's not the time to justify oneself with words, but to reflect on things.
"He is only a 26-year-old lad, but I think that after that heavy suspension in the league he has understood how to be in a group.
"From him, like from the others, I want proper behaviour not only on the pitch but also off it, also in the training sessions, for the good of the squad and the group.
"And I'm sure it will be so."
Donadoni will have to axe one of his players from the squad before Wednesday, but definitely out of next month's tournament is Filippo Inzaghi, who was a surprise omission from the provisional 24.
Inzaghi blasted Donadoni for not telephoning him to announce his decision, but the Azzurri boss is unrepentant.
"I respect him, but he has to respect me," added Donadoni. "What we said to each other we both know.
"I never said he wasn't in form, that would have been stupid. I have nothing to reproach myself for and nothing to excuse myself for.
"Pippo is like a little boy such is his enthusiasm with which he lives for football - and this is to his merit.
"But what we said to each other remains between us and the subject is closed."
The World Cup winners face Holland, Romania and France in Euro 2008 Group C.
The 26-year-old impressed for Sampdoria while on loan from Real Madrid last season but has not featured for Italy since 2006 and many thought his international chances had suffered a terminal setback when he earned a five-match ban for throwing his shirt at a referee in a Serie A match earlier this year.
"Antonio's inclusion was thoroughly thought through and happened after a meeting with my staff," Donadoni told reporters ahead of Italy's first training session.
"He's only a lad, don't make him into an alien. Don't put too much pressure on him, because he will do great things.
"When I spoke to him he more or less said: 'do you trust me? I won't disappoint you'.
"But I told him that rather than speak he has to listen. It's not the time to justify oneself with words, but to reflect on things.
"He is only a 26-year-old lad, but I think that after that heavy suspension in the league he has understood how to be in a group.
"From him, like from the others, I want proper behaviour not only on the pitch but also off it, also in the training sessions, for the good of the squad and the group.
"And I'm sure it will be so."
Donadoni will have to axe one of his players from the squad before Wednesday, but definitely out of next month's tournament is Filippo Inzaghi, who was a surprise omission from the provisional 24.
Inzaghi blasted Donadoni for not telephoning him to announce his decision, but the Azzurri boss is unrepentant.
"I respect him, but he has to respect me," added Donadoni. "What we said to each other we both know.
"I never said he wasn't in form, that would have been stupid. I have nothing to reproach myself for and nothing to excuse myself for.
"Pippo is like a little boy such is his enthusiasm with which he lives for football - and this is to his merit.
"But what we said to each other remains between us and the subject is closed."
The World Cup winners face Holland, Romania and France in Euro 2008 Group C.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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